Highlighting Local Impact and Regional Leadership
Envision Greater Fond du Lac is celebrating Chamber of Commerce Month throughout September by highlighting the organization’s role in supporting local businesses, strengthening the regional economy and bringing businesses and community stakeholders together to create a thriving Fond du Lac County.
Throughout the month, Envision will recognize the businesses, community leaders, volunteers and partners who contribute to the organization’s work while showcasing the people, programs and initiatives that demonstrate the impact of a modern chamber of commerce.
“Chambers of commerce have evolved far beyond simply providing networking opportunities for businesses,” said Sadie Howell, President and CEO of Envision Greater Fond du Lac. “At Envision, we bring businesses, community leaders and stakeholders together to address opportunities and challenges that affect the future of our entire region. Chamber Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate our members while sharing the broader impact of the work we accomplish together.”
A Unified Approach to Business and Economic Development
Envision Greater Fond du Lac was formed on July 1, 2017, through the unification of the former Fond du Lac Area Association of Commerce and Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation. The organization brought together the traditional chamber and economic development functions under one organization with a shared focus on creating greater opportunities for businesses and the community.
Envision’s mission is to bring stakeholders together to pursue opportunities that improve economic vibrancy, strengthen community identity and invest in the next generation. Its vision is to be the regional leader driving greater economic opportunities for all within thriving and engaged communities.
That work encompasses a broad range of efforts, including business retention and expansion, economic development, talent attraction, workforce development, entrepreneurship and innovation, advocacy, community development and traditional chamber programming.
Since its formation, Envision’s work has generated measurable economic impact throughout Fond du Lac County. A 2024 economic impact analysis found that from 2017 through 2023, Envision’s efforts generated $282 million in direct, indirect and induced economic impact, created and supported 2,800 jobs, and contributed $116.6 million in wages and benefits. (Rawley Point Economic Advising. March 1, 2024)
That impact is the result of businesses, community leaders and partners working together with a shared purpose: building a stronger economy and a thriving Fond du Lac County.
Focused on the Future
Envision’s current 2030 Strategic Plan builds on this collaborative approach with three priorities: unifying stakeholders around a shared vision for economic growth; empowering entrepreneurs and accelerating innovation; and developing, building and retaining a future-ready workforce. These priorities reflect Envision’s role as both a chamber of commerce and an economic development organization, with a focus on creating opportunities that benefit businesses and the broader community.
Advocacy is another key component of that work. Envision serves as a voice for the business community by monitoring policies and legislation, educating businesses and community members, and providing opportunities for local voices to engage with policymakers at the local, state and federal levels.
Envision’s Ambassadors also help strengthen connections throughout the business community. The Ambassadors Club represents Envision at ribbon cuttings, grand openings and open houses, builds relationships with businesses and community leaders, promotes the value of Chamber membership and helps welcome new businesses and members to the organization.
Leading Beyond Fond du Lac County
Envision’s leadership extends beyond its work within Fond du Lac County. In 2026, members of the Envision team have taken on leadership and professional development roles that demonstrate the organization’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and advancing the chamber profession.
Sadie Howell is serving as the 2026 Chair of the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Executives (WCCE), a statewide organization supporting chamber professionals and strengthening chambers of commerce throughout Wisconsin. In this role, Howell provides leadership and perspective on the future of chamber work across the state.
Joe Venhuizen, Vice President of Membership and Resource Development, also brought his chamber expertise to a national audience this year as faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management. Venhuizen served as faculty at the 2026 Midwest Institute in Madison, sharing his experience and knowledge with chamber and nonprofit professionals from across the country.
These leadership opportunities reflect the depth of expertise within Envision and the organization’s role as an active leader in the chamber profession. By sharing knowledge, developing leaders and collaborating with organizations beyond Fond du Lac County, Envision is helping advance innovative approaches to chamber and economic development work while bringing new ideas and perspectives back to the local community.
Celebrating Members During Chamber Month
While Chamber Month provides an opportunity to showcase Envision’s work, the organization’s success is ultimately made possible by its members and partners.
As part of the celebration, Envision will host its annual Member Appreciation Night on September 15 in partnership with Shea Electric. Envision is proud to have Shea Electric as our event sponsor, as they celebrate 20 years in business. The event will bring members together for an evening of live music, food, drinks and camaraderie while providing an opportunity for businesses to connect and celebrate their shared investment in the community.
“Chamber Month is ultimately about celebrating the businesses and people who make this work possible,” Howell said. “Our members are not simply recipients of chamber services—they are partners in building the future of Fond du Lac County. Their engagement, ideas and investment allow us to pursue opportunities that create meaningful impact across our community.”
Throughout September, Envision will highlight its team, members, Ambassadors, advocacy efforts, strategic priorities, programs and community impact through a month-long social media campaign.
To learn more about Envision Greater Fond du Lac and its work to strengthen the business community and create greater economic opportunities throughout Fond du Lac County, visit envisiongreaterfdl.com.
Date posted: September 2, 2026